Mowbray takes heat as Bhoys wilt in Israel

CELTIC manager Tony Mowbray refused to use the heat and humidity of Israel as an excuse for the Bhoys’ late defeat to Hapoel Tel Aviv in their Europa League Group C opener in the Bloomfield stadium yesterday.

Celtic looked to be cruising through the second half of the game after Georgios Samaras’ 25th-minute strike had given them the interval lead. However, with 15 minutes remaining, and the Parkhead side wilting, Hapoel playmaker Nemanja Vucicevic slammed in the equaliser.

There was further misery for Mowbray with two minutes remaining when Hapoel substitute Maaran Lala grabbed the late winner with the Celtic defence in disarray.